Headliners to rock fairgrounds

Rock powerhouse Lynryd Skynryd will perform at the Fulton County Fair on Sept. 6.

Frankie Ballard is part of the Labor Day country concert.

WAUSEON – Once again, attendees who flock to the top of Ohio fairgrounds near Wauseon are in for another year of quality entertainment at the Fulton County Fair. The 2015 fair starts Friday, Sept. 4 and runs through Thursday, Sept. 10.

With the support from the local residents and area businesses, and along with the dedication of a 16-member board of directors, the Fulton County Fair has been hailed as one of the top five fairs within the state of Ohio. Critical ingredients to the fair’s success are top-name entertainment at a reasonable price along with other events and activities that can fit into a family’s budget. This year’s grandstand entertainment includes Lynryd Skynryd and the Labor Day’s country concert will feature Dustin Lynch and Frankie Ballard.

The legacy of Lynryd Skynryd started 41 years ago in Jacksonville, Fla. This classic rock and roll powerhouse will take the stage on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. With sales beyond 30 million worldwide, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynryd Skynryd remain a cultural icon that appeals to all generations. “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” “That Smell,” and “Saturday Night Special” are among the many chart-topping singles for the group.

Headlining this year’s Labor Day Concert is country music’s Dustin Lynch and Frankie Ballard. Lynch occupies a unique place in today’s country music. This young Tennessean knows how to combine his traditional influences – such as George Strait, with an edgy intensity that places him in today’s contemporary country scene.

His self-titled Broken Bow Records debut hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and the lead single, “Cowboys and Angels,” exceeded platinum sales. His follow up single, “She Cranks My Tractor,” became a No. 1 video on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown. At the heart of all the success stands a young man with an abundance of raw talent and an unwavering work ethic.

Frankie Ballard, who will also be taking the stage Monday night at 7:30 p.m., has the heart and soul for hard work as well. He knows the importance of making connections with his fans. “Helluva Life” is the opener from his Sunshine and Whiskey album. “It’s got songs that really mean something to me and I knew they would mean something to other people. It’s an emotional journey as well as a musical journey,” Ballard said.

Originally from Battle Creek, Mich., Ballard has performed with a variety of artists and a variety of places and through it all, he has never lost his love for doing what he does best – taking his music to the people.

All Grandstand seats to the Sunday, Sept. 6 concert and Monday, Sept. 7 concert are reserved. Festival seating ­‑ an industry term for standing room only, no chairs ‑ will be on the track. Festival seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For Lynryd Skynryd festival seating is $35; grandstand seats are $30 and $25.

For Dustin Lynch and Frankie Ballard festival seating is $30; grandstand seats are $28 and $22.

Prices do not include regular adult gate admission of $5; children 15 and under receive free gate admission when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free.

Tickets go on sale July 6 by mail, online at www.fultonocountyfair.com or by calling 419-335-SHOW (7469). The Fair Ticket Office will also open on July 6 and have select hours; please check the fair’s website for Ticket Office hours.